Getting older is a fact of life, and at some point, we will come face to face with a health issue. And while it’s possible to curb the ill effects of issues like kidney disease or high blood pressure, there’s no way to banish these conditions entirely, and sooner or later the specter of old, ugly symptoms is bound to make itself known again. Sounds scary, right? It’s time to find a nutrition expert! The logical thing to do is spend some time searching good ol’ Google for signs of hope. But with all the hyped-up breakthrough cure-alls being hawked on every corner of the Internet, it’s important for consumers to keep in mind this slogan, popularized in the 1950s by the Better Business Bureau: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Fortunately, there are experts out there whom you can really trust to help exorcise your health demons: registered dietitians, like the ones featured here on 2 Your Health. To learn more about the qualifications of RDs and the skill sets they can bring to your table, check out “What an RDN Can Do For You” by Karen Ansel over at eatright.org, the website of the Academy of Nutrition and...

If you have been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), you are probably wondering how to reverse or at least slow this process. A CKD diagnosis means that the kidneys typically have some permanent damage that can progress through multiple stages. These stages can lead progressively toward “end stage renal failure” if not managed well. Regardless of where you are in the process, whether at Stage 1, Stage 5, or somewhere in between a Registered Dietitian will be able to help you plan meals and menus that slow the process. (All posts on 2YourHealth are either authored or edited by an RD, which is important. If you have CKD, we would encourage you strongly to seek the personal help of an RD in your area.) As you progress through the stages of the disease, eating becomes progressively more important and more limited. Specifically, in Stages 1-5, various nutrients will be potentially limited to protect the kidneys including protein, fluids, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. And why does this matter? Eating well for your kidneys can significantly slow your disease progression and protect them from further damage. How To Improve Kidney Function In 5 Steps Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt and low in fat. Meals should include mostly fresh foods focusing heavily on vegetables and fruits mindful of potassium coupled with lean protein and whole grains. Processed foods typically use salt not only as a seasoning but also as a preservative. Be aware that processed foods also may contain high levels of phosphorus. Your best guideline is to eat fresh. Maintain a healthy weight by watching what foods you eat and the portion size. Exercise every day of the week for at least 25 minutes total even if you have to do this in multiple sessions — if you need to walk on every break and lunch to achieve this goal, then do it! Watch your blood sugar if you are a diabetic; it matters since 1 in 3 diabetics have chronic kidney disease and diabetes is a primary cause of CKD. Maintain a normal blood pressure of 120/80 or lower since high blood pressure is also associated with the development and progression of CKD. Subscribe by Email Are you enjoying our posts? Subscribe by email to receive 2YourHealth in your inbox. Email* ...

Getting older is a fact of life, and at some point, we will come face to face with a health issue. And while it’s possible to curb the ill effects of issues like kidney disease or high blood pressure, there’s no way to banish these conditions entirely, and sooner or later the specter of old, ugly symptoms is bound to make itself known again. Sounds scary, right? It’s time to find a nutrition expert! The logical thing...

If you have been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), you are probably wondering how to reverse or at least slow this process. A CKD diagnosis means that the kidneys typically have some permanent damage that can progress through multiple stages. These stages can lead progressively toward “end stage renal failure” if not managed well. Regardless of where you are in the process, whether at Stage 1, Stage 5, or...

A Brief Overview of Chronic Kidney Disease Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) is the inability of the kidneys to fully function in their filtration patterns leaving them unable to rid the body of toxins and metabolic by-products. If an excess of urea, which contains ammonia, and other nitrogenous waste products build up in the blood stream, more complicated and critical consequences ensue. There are five...

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), currently affects 2 out of every 1,000 people in the United States with numbers projected to rise due to the incidence of diabetes. Following a renal diet can be a challenge since it is more restrictive and limiting, especially for those not currently on a dialysis treatment regimen. It is best to seek guidance from your physician and registered dietitian for...

By the Registered Dietitians at 2 Your Health Do you have specific concerns such as renal function, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease to manage this holiday season? When addressing kidney health it is important to monitor sodium, potassium, and phosphorous intake, eliminate unnecessary additives or preservatives, and control portion sizes. Whether you are addressing a health condition or trying to cut back on calories, the tips...